Customizable gloves

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to customizable apparel and in particular to customizable support gloves) made from conventional spandex fabric, generally having seams reinforced by a plurality of back lock stitches. More particularly, a first hand shaped portion is secured by a hem to a second hand shaped portion to form a plurality of stitched together finger pockets, with the hem extending along the outer edges of the first and second hand shaped portions. Next, a first set of reinforcing back lock stitches sewn on top of the hem. Additionally, a second set of reinforcing back lock stitches sewn on top of the first set of reinforcing stitches. This combination of reinforcing stitches prevents the seams of the glove from unlocking when the finger pockets are cut to a shorter length, thus making the gloves of the present invention ideally suited for customization to the needs or preferences of a user. The use of spandex fabric is preferred since it will not unravel when cut.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to customizable apparel and inparticular to customizable support gloves, made from conventionalspandex fabric, generally having seams reinforced by a plurality of backlock stitches. This combination of reinforcing stitches prevents theseams of the glove from unlocking when the finger pockets are cut to ashorter length, thus making the gloves of the present invention ideallysuited for customization to the needs or preferences of a user. The useof spandex fabric is preferred since it will not unravel when cut.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Often, a glove wearer wishes to have at least one of his or herfingers exposed with the remaining fingers covered by the glove. Thereare many reasons why a glove wearer would desire to customize a glove toexpose his or her finger(s) in this manner. Indeed, customized glovesare useful in a variety of occupations, including, for example, a tollcollector wherein warmth and support are desirable and the ability tohave at least some fingers exposed is necessary to facilitate thehandling of money. Similarly, a mechanic working outdoors in coldweather may need gloves for warmth yet also need to have certain figuresexposed in order to feel the tools.

[0003] Although a glove wearer may attempt to customize a conventionalglove by cutting off those finger portions which the wearer desires tohave exposed, such conventional gloves are not suitable forcustomization since the seams which hold the gloves together, and oftenthe material from which the glove is made, will unravel when cut. Thisproblem is attributable to the manner in which conventional gloves havebeen previously assembled. Typically, the manufacture and assembly ofconventional gloves involves several steps. In particular, to make aconventional glove, a first glove shaped pattern is cut from a sheet offabric to have five finger shaped portions and a wrist shaped portion.Similarly, a second glove shaped pattern is cut from a segment of fabricto correspond in shape and size to the first glove shaped pattern. Toassemble the glove, the first and second glove shaped patterns arestitched together, using a single set of stitches to form a seam aroundthe periphery of the glove. The result is a glove which may be worn on ahand. However, such gloves are not suitable for customization since thesingle set of stitches around each finger portion will unravel when cut.Likewise, if the base fabric of the glove is conventional woven fabric,the fabric itself will also unravel.

[0004] The gloves of the present invention, on the other hand, implementa combination of stitches which reinforce the glove seam, and thus, willnot unlock when cut. As a result, the gloves of the present inventionare ideally suited for customization. Similarly, the gloves of thepresent invention are preferably made of knitted spandex fabric whichalso will not unravel when cut. Also, it is well known that spandexfabric when properly sized provides a mild compressive force which manyglove wearers find comfortable and soothing.

[0005] Additionally, there are a variety of known gloves which aremanufactured such that at least one of the finger portions of the gloveis open. Such gloves are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,164,043,4,408,358, 4,964,174, 5,768,709, 5,943,701 and 6,026,513. However, thesegloves are not customizable since the glove wearer may not change thelength of the finger portions that already having openings. The presentinvention, on the other hand, is fully customizable as the glove wearerdecides which fingers shall have openings.

[0006] While the prior art is of interest, the known methods andapparatus of the prior art present several limitations which the presentinvention seeks to overcome.

[0007] In particular, it is an object of the present invention toprovide a fully customizable glove.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to implement astitch combination along the seams of the glove which will not unlockwhen cut.

[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide acustomizable glove made from base materials which will not unravel.

[0010] It is another object of the present invention to solve theshortcomings of the prior art.

[0011] Other objects will become apparent from the foregoingdescription.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It has now been found that the above and related objects of thepresent invention are obtained in the form of a glove which is fullycustomizable such that the finger portions of the glove may be cut offwithout disturbing the structural integrity of the glove. The glove ofthe present invention is assembled such that the seams of the fingerpockets of the glove are reinforced by a combination of multiple sets ofback lock stitches. The gloves are preferably made of conventionalspandex knitted fabric since such fabric will not unravel when cut.

[0013] More particularly, a preferred embodiment of the customizablegloves of the present invention comprises: a first fabric pattern havingfive finger shaped portions; a second fabric pattern corresponding insize and shape to the first pattern, wherein the second fabric patternis secured to the first fabric pattern by a first set of marrow stitchesto form a hand shaped portion. Straight loop stitches are sewn on top ofthe first set of marrow stitches and the straight loop stitches continuearound the finger portions. A first set of reinforcing stitches are sewnon top of the straight loop stitches; and a second set of reinforcingstitches are sewn on top of the first set of reinforcing stitches.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment, the customizable glove alsoincludes a third fabric pattern having a wrist shaped pattern and afourth fabric pattern corresponding in size and shape to the thirdfabric pattern, wherein the fourth fabric pattern is secured to thethird fabric pattern by a second set of marrow stitches to form a wristshaped portion with the marrow stitches securing the wrist shapedportion to the hand shaped portion.

[0015] Thus, the present invention enables a user to customize the gloveby cutting the finger pockets on a finger by finger or joint by jointbasis such that the seams of the glove will not disengage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The above and related objects, features and advantages of thepresent invention will be more fully understood by reference to thefollowing, detailed description of the preferred, albeit illustrative,embodiment of the present invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying figures, wherein:

[0017]FIG. 1 is a front view of the inner surface of the gloves of thepresent invention as constituted after completion of the first assemblystep described herein;

[0018]FIG. 2 is a detailed view of one embodiment of the stitchesimplemented in the glove shown in FIG. 1;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a front view the inner surface of the gloves of thepresent invention as constituted after completion of the second assemblystep described herein;

[0020]FIG. 4 represents the inner surface of the gloves of the presentinvention as constituted after completion of the third assembly stepdescribed herein; and

[0021]FIG. 5 represents a glove of the present invention that has beencustomized by a wearer by removing a portion of the glove in the area ofthe thumb and forefinger.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The present invention relates to customizable gloves manufacturedwith a combination of stitches that prevent the seam enclosing thefinger pockets of the gloves from unraveling when the finger pockets arecut to a shorter length. The gloves of the present invention areassembled in several steps. However, before describing each of thesesteps, the fabric patterns which are assembled to form the glove arefirst described.

[0023] Referring to the drawings, glove shaped patterns are cut fromsheets of fabric. Referring to FIG. 1, a first fabric pattern 11 is cutfrom a sheet of fabric to have a shape that resembles a human hand. Inthe preferred embodiment, this glove shape has a thumb and four fingerportions. The first fabric pattern 11 includes five finger portions 13,15, 17, 19 and 21. A second fabric pattern (not shown) is also cut froma sheet of fabric to correspond in size and shape to the first fabricpattern 11. Additionally, a third fabric pattern 23 is cut from a sheetof fabric to resemble the shape of a human wrist. Similarly, a fourthfabric pattern (not shown or numbered) is cut from a sheet of fabric tocorrespond in size and shape to the third fabric pattern 23. Preferably,the first, second, third and fourth fabric patterns are made fromspandex material, such as Lycra®, since such material will not fray orunravel when cut. However, other knitted fabrics of similar constructionmay also be used.

[0024] As described below, these fabric patterns are sewn together tocreate a hem and a seam along the edges of the fabric patterns, thusforming a wearable glove. The seam is reinforced by an inventivecombination of stitches which prevent the seam from unraveling when cut.In the preferred embodiment, the gloves of the present invention areassembled in three steps (although assembly could be accomplished by anynumber of steps) such that a series of stitches overlap one another toform and reinforce a seam around the edge of the finger pockets of theglove. Each of these steps of assembly are now described.

[0025] Specifically, in the first step of assembly of the gloves of thepresent invention, the first and second fabric patterns 11 are sewntogether as shown in FIG. 1. More particularly, the outer side edges 25of the first fabric pattern 11 and second fabric pattern are sewntogether to form a hem by a conventional sewing process known as marrowsewing. Those skilled in the art of glove manufacture would understandthat marrow sewing generally refers to the process of joining andsecuring at least two pieces of fabric together so as to form a hemtherebetween. It should be noted that although the use of marrow sewingis preferred, other conventional types of sewing could be used to form ahem. Referring to FIG. 2, a detailed view of the stitching used in themarrow sewing is shown. More particularly, marrow stitches 31 are achain of interlocking loops which are stitched along the side edges 24of the first, second, third and fourth fabric patterns.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, marrow stitches 31 secure the firstfabric pattern 11 to the second fabric pattern to form a hem 25 alongthe outer, side edges 24 of the finger portions 13 and 21, respectively.As a result, a hand shaped portion 12 is formed. Similarly, marrowstitches 31 secure the third fabric pattern 23 to the fourth fabricpattern to form a hem 27 along the outer, side edges 24 of the thirdfabric portion 23 and fourth fabric portion. As a result, a wrist shapedportion 22 is formed. Thereafter, the wrist shaped portion 22 and handshaped portion 12 are connected by marrow stitches 31 to form a hem 29therebetween. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hem 25 extends to theupper, outer portion of the finger portions 13 and 21, respectively.However, the hem 25 does not extend to the inner portion of the fingerportions 13 and 21 (i.e., the portions adjacent to finger portions 15and 19, respectively). It should be noted, however, that the hem 25 canbe extended around these portions or shortened if so desired.

[0027] Thus, after the first assembly step is completed, the glove ispartially sewn such that the hems 27 and 25 are formed (by marrowsewing) along the outer edges of the wrist shaped portion 22 and handshaped portion 12, respectively. As a result, the wrist shaped portion22 includes an opening through which a wearer's hand may be inserted andthe hand shaped portion 12 includes a pocket in which the wearer's handis nested. However, the finger portions 15, 17 and 19 remain fully openas they have not yet been stitched and finger portions 13 and 21 remainpartially open as they have only been partially stitched by the marrowsewing.

[0028] Once the marrow sewing is completed, the second step of assemblyis performed. In this regard, back lock stitches 34 are sewn along thebottom edges of the wrist shaped portion 22 in order to providereinforcement to the marrow stitches 31. Preferably, the back lockstitches are approximately 0.5″ in length. However, the back lockstitches may be of other lengths if so desired. Back lock stitches arewell known in the art of sewing and glove manufacture and are shown in amagnified view in FIGS. 3 and 4. Additionally, straight loop stitches 33are sewn on top of the marrow stitches 31 and continue around theperiphery of the glove with the finger portions 13, 15, 17, 19 and 21being stitched together. Straight loop stitches are well known in theart of glove manufacture. As a result, the straight loop stitches 33form a seam around the periphery of the gloves whereby the fingerportions 13, 15, 17, 19 and 21 are enclosed, thereby forming fingerpockets 13 a, 15 a, 17 a, 19 a and 21 a in which a wearer's fingers willnest. At this stage in the assembly process, the seam enclosing thefinger pockets 13 a, 15 a, 17 a, 19 a and 21 a will unravel if thefinger pockets are cut to a shorter length. Thus, in order to providefor suitable customization of the gloves of the present invention, theseam must be reinforced by additional stitching.

[0029] Accordingly, the seam of the gloves of the present invention isreinforced in a third assembly step. In this regard, a first and secondset of back lock stitches 35, 37, respectively, are sewn on top of theseam of the gloves formed by the first and second assembly stepsdescribed above. More particularly, the first set of back lock stitches35 is sewn on top of the seam of the glove (i.e., on top of the marrowstitches 31 and the straight loop stitches 33) as shown in FIG. 3.Thereafter, the second set of back lock stitches 37 is sewn on top ofthe marrow stitches 31, the straight loop stitches 33 and the first setof back lock stitches 35. Preferably, the first and second back lockstitches 35, 37 are approximately 0.5″ in length. However, the length ofthese stitches can be varied. With this arrangement, it has been foundthat the seam enclosing the finger pockets 13 a, 15 a, 17 a, 19 a and 21a is reinforced such that the seam will not unravel when the fingerpockets 13 a, 15 a, 17 a, 19 a and 21 a are cut to a shorter length.Rather, the stitches remain securely locked together. As a result, eachfinger pocket 13 a, 15 a, 17 a, 19 a and 21 a can be cut to shorterlength (i.e., customized) while avoiding the problems of the prior art.

[0030] Additionally, it has been found that the number of sets ofreinforcing stitches can be varied. Thus, it is possible to make thegloves of the present invention without the second set of back lockstitches 37. Likewise, additional sets of back lock stitches could beimplemented (i.e., a third set, a fourth set, a fifth set, etc.) toprovide for further reinforcement along the seams. Advantageously, theuse of three sets of stitches provides sufficient resistance to preventunraveling and is most economic to construct. It should be noted thatthe gloves shown in FIGS. 1-4 represent the inner surface of the gloves.Therefore, generally before the gloves are worn, they are turned insideout and the stitches shown in these figures will not be visible.However, if desired, the stitches can be left on the outside.

[0031] It should be understood that the gloves of the present inventioncan be made from a pattern constructed and arranged so that the wristportion 22 is integral with the hand shaped portion 12. Suchconstruction avoids the need for marrow sewing 29. However, the use ofseparate pieces does have the advantage of allowing fabrics of differentconstruction, thickness or other properties to be used in the differentareas of the glove. Also, if the fabric has a particular orientation(i.e., more stretch in a particular direction), such properties can beutilized by orienting the fabric differently in the hand and wristpatterns when the glove of the present invention is assembled.

[0032] By use of the foregoing combination of stitches, the gloves ofthe present invention allow a wearer to cut the finger pockets on afinger by finger or joint by joint basis such that the seam of the glovewill not unravel. Referring to FIG. 5, a glove made in accordance withthe assembly method described herein has been customized such that thefinger pockets 13 a and 15 a have been cut to shorter lengths, therebyexposing the thumb and index finger of the wearer. It should be noted,however, that any combination of finger pockets can be cut to suit thewearer's needs.

[0033] Now that the preferred embodiments of the present invention havebeen shown and described in detail, various modifications andimprovements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled inthe art. Indeed, the combination of stitches implemented in the presentinvention could be used to reinforce seams on other garments, such asmittens, pants, shirts, socks, etc. thereby rendering such garmentssuitable for customization. For example, pant legs having a seamreinforced by the stitch combination of the present invention could becut to a shorter length without the pant seam unraveling. Additionally,the combination of the stitches implemented in the present inventioncould be used to reinforce the seams of support garments. In thisregard, a protective knee or elbow support could be made from a sleevehaving the stitches of the present invention. Such sleeve could be cutto a desired length and be worn as a knee and/or elbow support. Apparelcustomized in such manner could be advantageously used for varioussports. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present invention is tobe construed broadly and limited only by the appended claims and not bythe foregoing specification.

What is claimed is:
 1. A customizable glove comprising: a first handshaped portion secured by a hem to a second hand shaped portion to forma plurality of stitched together finger pockets, wherein said hemextends along the outer edges of said first and second hand shapedportions; a first set of reinforcing stitches sewn on top of said hemand said stitched together finger pockets; and a second set ofreinforcing stitches sewn on top of said first set of reinforcingstitches.
 2. The customizable glove a claim 1, wherein said first andsecond sets of reinforcing stitches are back lock stitches.
 3. Thecustomizable glove of claim 1, wherein said hem is formed by marrowsewing.
 4. The customizable glove of claim 3, wherein said marrow sewingcomprises interlocking loops.
 5. The customizable glove of claim 1,wherein said glove is spandex.
 6. A customizable glove comprising: awrist-shape portion secured by a hem to a hand shaped portion having aplurality of stitched together finger pockets, wherein said hem extendsalong the outer edges said wrist-shaped potion and the outer edges ofsaid hand shaped portion; a first set of reinforcing stitches sewn ontop of said hem and said stitched together finger pockets; and a secondset of reinforcing stitches sewn on top of said first set of reinforcingstitches.
 7. The customizable glove a claim 6, wherein said first andsecond sets of reinforcing stitches are back lock stitches.
 8. Thecustomizable glove of claim 6, wherein said hem is formed by marrowsewing.
 9. The customizable glove of claim 8, wherein said marrow sewingcomprises interlocking loops.
 10. The customizable glove of claim 6,wherein said glove is spandex.
 11. A customizable glove comprising: afirst fabric pattern having five finger shaped portions; a second fabricpattern corresponding in size and shape to said first pattern, whereinsaid second fabric pattern is secured to said first fabric pattern by afirst hem to form a hand shaped portion; a third fabric pattern having awrist shaped pattern; a fourth fabric pattern corresponding in size andshape to said third fabric pattern, wherein said fourth fabric patternis secured to said third fabric pattern by a second hem to form a wristshaped portion; a third hem securing said wrist shaped portion to saidhand shaped portion; straight loop stitches sewn on top of said firstand second hems and said straight loop stitches continuing around saidfinger portions; a first set of reinforcing stitches sewn on top of saidstraight loop stitches; and a second set of reinforcing stitches sewn ontop of said first set of reinforcing stitches.
 12. The customizableglove of claim 11, where said first and second sets of reinforcingstitches are back lock stitches.
 13. The customizable glove of claim 11,wherein said first, second third and fourth fabric patterns are spandex.14. The customizable glove of claim 11, wherein said first hem is formedby a first set of marrow stitches, said second hem is formed by a secondset of marrow stitches, and said third hem is formed by a third set ofmarrow stitches.
 15. The customizable glove of claim 14 wherein saidfirst, second and third sets of marrow stitches are interlocking loops.16. A customizable garment comprising: at least a first material and asecond material; a seam connecting said first material to said secondmaterial; a first set of reinforcing stitches sewn on top of said seam;and a second set of reinforcing stitches sewn on top of said first setof reinforcing stitches.
 17. The customizable garment of claim 16,wherein said garment is a mitten.
 18. The customizable garment of claim16, wherein said garment is a shirt.
 19. The customizable garment ofclaim 16, wherein said garment is pants.
 20. The customizable garment ofclaim 16, wherein said garment is a sock.
 21. The customizable garmentof claim 16, wherein said garment is a sleeve.
 22. The garment of claim16, wherein said first and second sets of reinforcing stitches are lockback stitches.
 23. The customizable garment of claim 16, wherein saidgarment is made from spandex.